Hobbymat MD65 tailstock

[Reg HolmesParticipant @regholmes21575]

Can anyone with experience of the Hobbymat please advise on the procedure to be adopted in releasing a locked tailstock on my MD65 lathe. A few days ago I attempted to adjust the tailstock sliding action on the bed. In doing so, I obviously made the mistake of tightening the ‘forcing’ screw too much, although I was careful not to turn more than a quarter of a turn as outlined on page 21 in the Operating Instructions booklet. I am assuming that the grooved taper pin located at the front of the screw has travelled too far and locked the tailstock to the bed. The 8mm screw operating the pin is free to move and has been removed leaving the pin in situ. Is there any way of releasing the taper pin to allow movement of the tailstock? As soon as it locked up, I left the assembly alone knowing that any excessive pressure could cause damage to the cast body of the tailstock. The lathe is bolted to a bench and fitted with the BFE mill so I am unable at the moment to access the rear side of the tailstock to allow viewing of the screw and taper pin. I am uncertain if the taper pin is solid or in a rolled form. Hoping you can help out.

Regards,

Reg Holmes .

[Reg HolmesParticipant @regholmes21575]

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Reg, there is no way that the grooved taper pin can lock the tailstock to the bed, as it has no contact with it. In the photo below you will see inside the bore that slides on the bed.

The tailstock has two socket head screws in association to locking/releasing it on the bed. To release the tailstock you need to slacken off the locking screw, (which is shown as 5 in the operating instructions on page 21) you then screw the forcing screw 6 up to the biting point, and then tighten it no more than a quarter of a turn and the tailstock should be released enough to slide it along the bed to your desired position. The worst thing you will do by over tightening the forcing screw, is crack the tailstock casting.

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

Regards Nick.

[Reg HolmesParticipant @regholmes21575]

Hi Nick, Many thanks for the prompt reply and your welcome to the forum. Following your instructions, the tailstock is now free on the bed. How it came about in the first place I am not sure. If my dad was still around he would probably say 'that's what you get for messing around. Leave the damn screws alone!!' Thanks again Nick.

Regards, Reg.

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